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Doctors' Riot of 1788: Body Snatching, Bloodletting, and Anatomy in America
Throughout the seventeenth century, medical lecturers demonstrated human anatomy by dissecting a cadaver while surrounded by students. After the Revolutionary War, though, instructors realized that they needed many more cadavers to serve a growing number of medical students. Enter the "resurrectionists" - body snatchers. Resurrectionists were a cruel lot; men (almost always men and often medical students themselves) who would sneak into a cemetery under the cover of darkness, remove a body, and then sell it to a physician or anatomist - usually for around $100.
In April 1788, word of one particular body snatching quickly spread, and over the course of days, thousands of New Yorkers descended upon a New York City anatomy lab in a growing and dangerous riot. This book reveals the forgotten history of the so-called Doctor's Riot of 1788, along the way explaining the history of grave robbing in the United States and England and exploring the moral questions behind an existential medical crisis: Does the need for medical students to learn anatomy on cadavers override society's demand for maintaining the dignity of its dead?
As the Doctor's Riot boiled over, Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and Revolutionary War hero Baron von Steuben were called in to quell the rioters, to no avail. Eventually, the state militia was ordered to fire into the crowd, killing twenty and injuring far more.
In this riveting and revelatory history, Andy McPhee delves into the post-revolutionary period of America to trace the foundational changes spurred by the riot, the influence of the riot on framers of the Constitution, the formation of Black-only churches and graveyards, the radical advent of embalming improved embalming practices, what body snatching looks like today, and how the teaching of anatomy continues to change and adapt to new technologies.
In April 1788, word of one particular body snatching quickly spread, and over the course of days, thousands of New Yorkers descended upon a New York City anatomy lab in a growing and dangerous riot. This book reveals the forgotten history of the so-called Doctor's Riot of 1788, along the way explaining the history of grave robbing in the United States and England and exploring the moral questions behind an existential medical crisis: Does the need for medical students to learn anatomy on cadavers override society's demand for maintaining the dignity of its dead?
As the Doctor's Riot boiled over, Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and John Jay and Revolutionary War hero Baron von Steuben were called in to quell the rioters, to no avail. Eventually, the state militia was ordered to fire into the crowd, killing twenty and injuring far more.
In this riveting and revelatory history, Andy McPhee delves into the post-revolutionary period of America to trace the foundational changes spurred by the riot, the influence of the riot on framers of the Constitution, the formation of Black-only churches and graveyards, the radical advent of embalming improved embalming practices, what body snatching looks like today, and how the teaching of anatomy continues to change and adapt to new technologies.
248 pages, Hardcover
Published January 6, 2026
13 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Andy McPhee
4 books16 followersFormer critical care nurse, nurse educator, and award-winning writer, Andy McPhee is the author of four books and hundreds of news articles for young adults. He has overseen the publication of dozens of educational healthcare textbooks and now writes true stories in American history. His latest book is The Doctors’ Riot of 1788: Body Snatching, Bloodletting, and Anatomy in America, published by Prometheus Books, a division of Globe Pequot Press. He is also the author of Donora Death Fog: Clean Air and the Tragedy of a Pennsylvania Mill Town, from the University of Pittsburgh Press. Andy loves golf and fine food, and he lives with his wife and two dogs in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 24, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Although I've obviously heard of body snatching before, I'd never heard of the Doctor's Riot prior to reading this book. The book was so interesting. The whole thing was absolutely wild, especially since there were no laws protecting the corpes, so after digging up the bodies, they would remove all the clothing and jewelry and put it back in the grave. It would be a felony if they took the clothes. Not a single law broken if they took just the body. Crazy. After this, the laws were changed, though.
Also, Harvard. Seriously, what is is with Harvard, and their secret societies? They had a whole secret society just for those students who really, really wanted to dig up body so much they formed a secret society to do. Okay, yes, I understand the importance of it, but seriously, it seems every other non-fiction book I read lately talks about some secret society in Harvard.
Definitely would recommend this.
Although I've obviously heard of body snatching before, I'd never heard of the Doctor's Riot prior to reading this book. The book was so interesting. The whole thing was absolutely wild, especially since there were no laws protecting the corpes, so after digging up the bodies, they would remove all the clothing and jewelry and put it back in the grave. It would be a felony if they took the clothes. Not a single law broken if they took just the body. Crazy. After this, the laws were changed, though.
Also, Harvard. Seriously, what is is with Harvard, and their secret societies? They had a whole secret society just for those students who really, really wanted to dig up body so much they formed a secret society to do. Okay, yes, I understand the importance of it, but seriously, it seems every other non-fiction book I read lately talks about some secret society in Harvard.
Definitely would recommend this.
August 15, 2025
A big thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book!
This author has a brilliant, straightforward way of laying out and explaining the history of anatomy, its laws across the UK and US and the individuals involved- be it physicians, students, or resurrectionists.
It takes a systematic approach with a good deal of background knowledge which helps weave the history and practices together into the final chapters.
I particularly liked the mentioning of humanisation of donors, how this developed, and quotes taken from individuals about this subject.
The material evidence, or lithographs, pictures and literary material aided in building a picture of this part of history, which in itself was very interesting and quite unique. I was engaged throughout and found it easy to follow and learn from.
This author has a brilliant, straightforward way of laying out and explaining the history of anatomy, its laws across the UK and US and the individuals involved- be it physicians, students, or resurrectionists.
It takes a systematic approach with a good deal of background knowledge which helps weave the history and practices together into the final chapters.
I particularly liked the mentioning of humanisation of donors, how this developed, and quotes taken from individuals about this subject.
The material evidence, or lithographs, pictures and literary material aided in building a picture of this part of history, which in itself was very interesting and quite unique. I was engaged throughout and found it easy to follow and learn from.
November 13, 2025
It's like Hamilton meets Sweeney Todd.
The inaccurately-named Doctors' Riot is a moment in post-Revolutionary Era America where the fad of mob violence towards physicians was in vogue. The rationale for this violence was body snatching, which was, in fact, generally going on, as the need for cadavers to train doctors about anatomy was high, and that lead to some sideways dealing about how they were sourced.
It is an under-reported event largely due to a lack of sources. It also has a lot of the signs of a moral panic with people engaging in bizarre anti-body theft measures, except that we know that it was going on, would continue to go on, and still goes on today in some definition of the term. People are not stealing corpses, but the need for bodies is still high. While things like embalming and refrigeration has reduced the numbers needed for anatomy training, the sorts of ways in which there are a need for bodies or body parts, even excluding the more infamous organ trade, has only increased. Moreover the question of who gets chosen to be a body is still a matter that produces concern.
The flaw here is more the title than the text. The section on the riot itself is slight. This is something that I was going to ding the book for. Except that the book overall is excellent.
This is a book about the concept of human anatomy more generally, and how it develops through the observations of corpses. It turns quite poetic at the end in thinking about what it means to donate one's body 'to science' and in conversations with the medical professionals describing their relationships with cadavers, how they learn, and how they think about the people who once lived to give them the opportunity to help others. So whatever editor decided that, you are really putting a light under a bushel here.
The book also earned my favor in its history. The author is express about how he goes about making suppositions for the sake of the narrative. And in our age of treating the Framers as sacred cows, it is just fun to find some point where they were all on their back foot, and all the pomp and rhetoric would not stop an angry crowd who were worried about grandmother missing parts for Judgement Day.
And if we are going off-road here, there is a different sort of political history here about the tradition of anti-intellectual behavior in the American populace, a tricky sort of thing because the hoi polloi are wrong in the concrete while right in the abstract, which is very much in evidence in the contemporary national psyche.
My thanks to the author, Andy McPhee, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Globe Pequot, for making the ARC available to me.
The inaccurately-named Doctors' Riot is a moment in post-Revolutionary Era America where the fad of mob violence towards physicians was in vogue. The rationale for this violence was body snatching, which was, in fact, generally going on, as the need for cadavers to train doctors about anatomy was high, and that lead to some sideways dealing about how they were sourced.
It is an under-reported event largely due to a lack of sources. It also has a lot of the signs of a moral panic with people engaging in bizarre anti-body theft measures, except that we know that it was going on, would continue to go on, and still goes on today in some definition of the term. People are not stealing corpses, but the need for bodies is still high. While things like embalming and refrigeration has reduced the numbers needed for anatomy training, the sorts of ways in which there are a need for bodies or body parts, even excluding the more infamous organ trade, has only increased. Moreover the question of who gets chosen to be a body is still a matter that produces concern.
The flaw here is more the title than the text. The section on the riot itself is slight. This is something that I was going to ding the book for. Except that the book overall is excellent.
This is a book about the concept of human anatomy more generally, and how it develops through the observations of corpses. It turns quite poetic at the end in thinking about what it means to donate one's body 'to science' and in conversations with the medical professionals describing their relationships with cadavers, how they learn, and how they think about the people who once lived to give them the opportunity to help others. So whatever editor decided that, you are really putting a light under a bushel here.
The book also earned my favor in its history. The author is express about how he goes about making suppositions for the sake of the narrative. And in our age of treating the Framers as sacred cows, it is just fun to find some point where they were all on their back foot, and all the pomp and rhetoric would not stop an angry crowd who were worried about grandmother missing parts for Judgement Day.
And if we are going off-road here, there is a different sort of political history here about the tradition of anti-intellectual behavior in the American populace, a tricky sort of thing because the hoi polloi are wrong in the concrete while right in the abstract, which is very much in evidence in the contemporary national psyche.
My thanks to the author, Andy McPhee, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Globe Pequot, for making the ARC available to me.
December 11, 2025
If you're interested in the history of medicine—including the more macabre elements of medical education—you'll find Doctors' Riot of 1788: Body Snatching, Bloodletting, and Anatomy in America a fascinating read. The 1788 riot does come into play in the book, but it has a larger scope looking at early medical education in the U.S., the shift from having to travel to Europe when U.S. medical schools first appeared, the contentious legal and ethical battles about how to provide corpses on which to train medical students, and the social hierarchies that made snatching some bodies acceptable, but not others. I've read multiple books on these issues as they manifested in the UK, but this is the first such book I've encountered with a focus on the U.S., and it's a welcome addition.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGaley; the opinions are my own.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGaley; the opinions are my own.
January 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Globe Pequot for the eARC!
This book looks not just at the Doctors’ Riot of 1788 but also provides context for the state of medical education in the late 18th century while also looking back to medieval times and the state of things today in modern medical education. It was interesting to know the hoops those in medicine at the time had to go through to further their education as well as the nefarious practices that accompanied it. It was enlightening to read about the racism in the practice as well as the unregulated nature of tissue donation in modern times and I hope regulation will be implemented soon to give the families of donors the confidence and peace needed.
As someone in the medical field, the last several chapters reminded me of the profound sacrifice our donors gave to us and to remember their gift as I go through my career.
This book looks not just at the Doctors’ Riot of 1788 but also provides context for the state of medical education in the late 18th century while also looking back to medieval times and the state of things today in modern medical education. It was interesting to know the hoops those in medicine at the time had to go through to further their education as well as the nefarious practices that accompanied it. It was enlightening to read about the racism in the practice as well as the unregulated nature of tissue donation in modern times and I hope regulation will be implemented soon to give the families of donors the confidence and peace needed.
As someone in the medical field, the last several chapters reminded me of the profound sacrifice our donors gave to us and to remember their gift as I go through my career.
November 20, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
This book raises important ethical questions surrounding the develpment of science and also offers a great perspective of US society at the Riot's time.
It provides an amazing picture of the evolution of many medical fields, but it's also sad to see that there's a demographic group that suffered the most with the methods necessary for that development.
This book raises important ethical questions surrounding the develpment of science and also offers a great perspective of US society at the Riot's time.
It provides an amazing picture of the evolution of many medical fields, but it's also sad to see that there's a demographic group that suffered the most with the methods necessary for that development.
September 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)
Big thanks to NetGalley, Prometheus Books, and Globe Pequot for the ARC!
I had such a good time with The Doctors’ Riot of 1788. I was intrigued by the cover and the blurb, and this book turned out to be exactly what I wanted it to be.
It’s a top read for me this year. The research is spot-on, Andy McPhee has obviously spent a lot of time working on this, and it shows. It’s also funnier than I expected in places, which balanced out the darker subject matter really well.
The pictures were a highlight for me; drawings of the paintings, tools, and the anatomical freehands! As a visual learner, they made it so much easier to imagine what these things actually looked like, and these came out really well on my Kindle.
Fair warning though: it does get pretty gruesome at times. There is a lot of detailed descriptions of dead bodies, dismembered corpses, and dissection. But, If you like your history with a macabre edge, you’ll be right at home.
I was really shocked reading some of this. I’d heard of Burke and Hare of course, but never realised the whole scale of what was going on or that it stretched as far across to America as it did, nor for how long. It’s a fascinating read and you do get a sense of the urgency and diplomacy they needed to deal with it.
I read it in just two sittings and the only reason I stopped was because I physically needed to sleep!
I will say that parts of it did feel a little heavy, especially when the dense politics and law came into it, and due to that sometimes it felt like reading an essay than a narrative.
A few times I found it hard to follow due to the jumping back and forth between the time periods, but that confusion didn’t last long, and it didn’t disturb the flow of the story noticeably.
I thoroughly recommend this one to fans of true crime, historical crime, dark history, and the macabre. It ticks all those boxes. I’ll definitely be picking this up in hardback when it comes out. It was a fascinating read.
Big thanks to NetGalley, Prometheus Books, and Globe Pequot for the ARC!
I had such a good time with The Doctors’ Riot of 1788. I was intrigued by the cover and the blurb, and this book turned out to be exactly what I wanted it to be.
It’s a top read for me this year. The research is spot-on, Andy McPhee has obviously spent a lot of time working on this, and it shows. It’s also funnier than I expected in places, which balanced out the darker subject matter really well.
The pictures were a highlight for me; drawings of the paintings, tools, and the anatomical freehands! As a visual learner, they made it so much easier to imagine what these things actually looked like, and these came out really well on my Kindle.
Fair warning though: it does get pretty gruesome at times. There is a lot of detailed descriptions of dead bodies, dismembered corpses, and dissection. But, If you like your history with a macabre edge, you’ll be right at home.
I was really shocked reading some of this. I’d heard of Burke and Hare of course, but never realised the whole scale of what was going on or that it stretched as far across to America as it did, nor for how long. It’s a fascinating read and you do get a sense of the urgency and diplomacy they needed to deal with it.
I read it in just two sittings and the only reason I stopped was because I physically needed to sleep!
I will say that parts of it did feel a little heavy, especially when the dense politics and law came into it, and due to that sometimes it felt like reading an essay than a narrative.
A few times I found it hard to follow due to the jumping back and forth between the time periods, but that confusion didn’t last long, and it didn’t disturb the flow of the story noticeably.
I thoroughly recommend this one to fans of true crime, historical crime, dark history, and the macabre. It ticks all those boxes. I’ll definitely be picking this up in hardback when it comes out. It was a fascinating read.
October 31, 2025
Finished reading: October 30th 2025
"We need the dead, still, to help us learn. Even with the latest technologies, some of which are truly astonishing, we still need people who donate their bodies for study and practice. The Doctors' Riot of 1788 sparked a movement that led to today's system of body donation and the laws and morality that support it."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Prometheus in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
October 4, 2025
I love medical history, and this book is fascinating and engaging. Though we do jump around a bit, the narrative makes sense and it wraps up nicely in the present.
I do have two issues:
- the title. It's so not about the one singular riot. That is such a small point in the greater history. I know the subtitle (subheader?) and description lists more but the TITLE feels limiting.
- the inciting incident. I'm pretty sure we don't actually know if 1) it was the boy's mother's arm or 2) she was in that lab on that day. Those elements feel like urban legend and from what I can find, we don't KNOW (and it doesn't super matter bc this was just the straw that broke the camels back). This was described in later chapters as if it we do know this happened (unless the footnotes implied otherwise - my ARC copy didn't link so it's hard to check), and it feels unlikely.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
I do have two issues:
- the title. It's so not about the one singular riot. That is such a small point in the greater history. I know the subtitle (subheader?) and description lists more but the TITLE feels limiting.
- the inciting incident. I'm pretty sure we don't actually know if 1) it was the boy's mother's arm or 2) she was in that lab on that day. Those elements feel like urban legend and from what I can find, we don't KNOW (and it doesn't super matter bc this was just the straw that broke the camels back). This was described in later chapters as if it we do know this happened (unless the footnotes implied otherwise - my ARC copy didn't link so it's hard to check), and it feels unlikely.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As early as 1319, body snatching occurred in Bologna, Italy. Between 1489 and 1513, Leonardo da Vinci paid body snatchers to provide him with cadavers. “Given the state of law at the time, the dead body did not constitute property, so taking a corpse…from a grave might not have been considered theft, but…individuals who pilfered necklaces, rings, clothing…buried with a person, were subject to arrest…”.
“Leonardo performed as many as thirty dissections…each time making precise illustrations…he made detailed underdrawings in black chalk, then finished them with different colors of ink and washes. With his left-handed curved hatching lines, he gave shape and volume to the form of bones and muscles and with light lines added the tendons and fibers. Each bone and muscle was shown from three or four angles…the results are triumphs of both science and art.” In Leonardo’s time, studying anatomy through dissection was considered “a moral duty”. “In some circles…studying the human body, we see God’s handiwork.” As early as 1594, permanent circular amphitheaters were cropping up in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam. Surgeons, apothecaries, medical students and members of the paying public could attend dissections. To truly advance medicine…bodies would be needed however, more than the law allowed. Worries were triggered by the public. Would the souls of loved ones be raised to heaven? Without dead bodies being procured, how would medical students learn anatomy? Only through illustrations in lectures or in books?”
In order to train medical students in the late 1700s, anatomists entered a “moral and ethical morass” created by the exhumation of bodies. Body snatching was illegal, but when the legal supply did not meet the demand, the work of resurrectionists filled the void. The resurrectionist arrived at the graveyard at dusk, exhumed a fresh corpse, hid signs of digging and by cart, delivered the body to the medical students, receiving $100 for services rendered. All was well until the “wrong body” was disturbed from her resting place. While most bodies had been taken from the Pauper’s Cemetery and the Negroes Burying Ground, this particular corpse was that of an “upstanding White woman”.
The Doctors’ Riot of 1788 was not a rising of doctors… quite the contrary! The enraged populace in New York City stormed New York Hospital destroying carefully preserved specimens while anatomists and students ran for cover. Founding Fathers such as Alexander Hamilton and John Jay were unable to calm the rioters. The state militia was called. Several deaths were recorded.
By the end of the 18th century, Columbia College and Harvard College were two of only four medical schools in the United States. As the number of medical schools increased, illegal disinternments continued unabated, including crossing state lines to procure bodies. “...medical students needed to learn anatomy…an insufficient supply of cadavers impeded their knowledge, and thus, the future healthcare…’great and grievous crimes had been committed’ in search of that supply.” There was a need for restrictions.
Beginning in 1789, states began passing anatomy acts. Although the purpose was to ban body snatching entirely so that “science may not…be injured by preventing the dissection of proper subjects…judges were allowed to sentence individuals executed for arson, burglary or murder to be ‘delivered to a surgeon for dissection’.” Body snatching declined during the Civil War when embalming practices obviated the need for “fresh” bodies to dissect. Use of formaldehyde meant that dissection need not be performed immediately so more attention to detail could be achieved.
In the words of Andy McPhee, author of The Doctors’ Riot of 1788, “Hands-on-organ learning provided through cadaver dissection, has been vital for medical education…At the time of the Doctors’ Riot, society needed the resurrectionist’s services just as it needed the services of morticians and pathologists today…We need to make sure that bodies have not been mistreated…or disrespected. We need to ensure dignity after death”
A highly recommended read.
Thank you Anthony Pomes @ Globe Pequot for a print copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Leonardo performed as many as thirty dissections…each time making precise illustrations…he made detailed underdrawings in black chalk, then finished them with different colors of ink and washes. With his left-handed curved hatching lines, he gave shape and volume to the form of bones and muscles and with light lines added the tendons and fibers. Each bone and muscle was shown from three or four angles…the results are triumphs of both science and art.” In Leonardo’s time, studying anatomy through dissection was considered “a moral duty”. “In some circles…studying the human body, we see God’s handiwork.” As early as 1594, permanent circular amphitheaters were cropping up in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam. Surgeons, apothecaries, medical students and members of the paying public could attend dissections. To truly advance medicine…bodies would be needed however, more than the law allowed. Worries were triggered by the public. Would the souls of loved ones be raised to heaven? Without dead bodies being procured, how would medical students learn anatomy? Only through illustrations in lectures or in books?”
In order to train medical students in the late 1700s, anatomists entered a “moral and ethical morass” created by the exhumation of bodies. Body snatching was illegal, but when the legal supply did not meet the demand, the work of resurrectionists filled the void. The resurrectionist arrived at the graveyard at dusk, exhumed a fresh corpse, hid signs of digging and by cart, delivered the body to the medical students, receiving $100 for services rendered. All was well until the “wrong body” was disturbed from her resting place. While most bodies had been taken from the Pauper’s Cemetery and the Negroes Burying Ground, this particular corpse was that of an “upstanding White woman”.
The Doctors’ Riot of 1788 was not a rising of doctors… quite the contrary! The enraged populace in New York City stormed New York Hospital destroying carefully preserved specimens while anatomists and students ran for cover. Founding Fathers such as Alexander Hamilton and John Jay were unable to calm the rioters. The state militia was called. Several deaths were recorded.
By the end of the 18th century, Columbia College and Harvard College were two of only four medical schools in the United States. As the number of medical schools increased, illegal disinternments continued unabated, including crossing state lines to procure bodies. “...medical students needed to learn anatomy…an insufficient supply of cadavers impeded their knowledge, and thus, the future healthcare…’great and grievous crimes had been committed’ in search of that supply.” There was a need for restrictions.
Beginning in 1789, states began passing anatomy acts. Although the purpose was to ban body snatching entirely so that “science may not…be injured by preventing the dissection of proper subjects…judges were allowed to sentence individuals executed for arson, burglary or murder to be ‘delivered to a surgeon for dissection’.” Body snatching declined during the Civil War when embalming practices obviated the need for “fresh” bodies to dissect. Use of formaldehyde meant that dissection need not be performed immediately so more attention to detail could be achieved.
In the words of Andy McPhee, author of The Doctors’ Riot of 1788, “Hands-on-organ learning provided through cadaver dissection, has been vital for medical education…At the time of the Doctors’ Riot, society needed the resurrectionist’s services just as it needed the services of morticians and pathologists today…We need to make sure that bodies have not been mistreated…or disrespected. We need to ensure dignity after death”
A highly recommended read.
Thank you Anthony Pomes @ Globe Pequot for a print copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Globe Pequot for an advance copy of this book that looks at how the mysteries of the human body were uncovered, usually by the uncovering of bodies laid to rest, and how these actions led to a a violent uprising in the earliest days of American history.
My mother was a nurse, a profession that she was rightfully proud of being. My nephew has a photo of my mother graduating in full classic nursing kit, with hat, a shawl and her diploma, beaming with pride. My mom is also the defacto doctor for both sides of my family. The cousins are quick to call with questions. Her grandchildren keep her informed of all their pediatrician trips. The older aunts call with questions about this pill and that. She does her best to help, to listen and to care. Even the ones who are prone to getting their medical advice from the political more than the medical. From hucksters and not hospitals. They know my Mom, and though it might not fit the political agenda, they still trust her opinion. My Mom's knowledge is based on those that came before her, and sometimes the gaining of this knowledge, well wasn't very nice. Things that we would call deceitful and wrong were once par for the course, especially if the course was anatomy. A body was a body, no questions asked, with financial rewards. Until people grew mad, and decided to strike back at those who learned from the dead, by stealing them away from their eternal sleep. The Doctors' Riot of 1788: Body Snatching, Bloodletting, and Anatomy in America by Andy McPhee is a book looking at the history of medicine, the history of a new country, religion, quackery, and of course how we treat the dead.
The human body is a fantastic mystery, one that give up its secrets only by examination. One can see illustrations of organs, but to understand the respiratory system or the circulatory system, one has to have samples. Usually the dead. However this was a difficult thing, in the 1700's as only criminals, and children were allowed to be used by medical instructors. With the advent of medical schools, in England, there were much, much more students than there were bodies. Capitalism being what is is, soon had an answer. Body snatching. Exhuming fresh corpses, hiding the signs of digging, and bringing the body to the medical students, for a fee. People would hire watchmen to keep an eye on graves. People with oddities feared what would happen to their bodies upon dying. And occasionally this fear would lead to violence. After the American Revolution, colonies began to build medical schools of their own. These schools had the same problems, a lack of educational aids, ie bodies. Thankfully America had a slave population where bodies could be gained. Soon though demand exceeded supply and trouble began in New York, where a group of people began to attack an anatomist laboratory. People died, famous Founding Fathers found themselves involved, and questions were raised about what the living owe the dead, and what cost is knowledge to keep people alive.
Not the book I expected. Much more than a medical examination of grave robbing and riots, McPhee looks at classic science, English law and history, and much about the founding of the United States, and what came after. Every page has interesting information. That body snatching in England was not realy a crime, but if one took anything, jewelry or clothing from a corpse, that would be considered grave robbing, a serious offence. McPhee talks about the act of body snatching, the people involved, and the people who rightfully feared what would happen after their death. There is a lot going on, but McPhee does a very good job of explaining everything, and not getting lost in his tale, no matter where it goes.
A fascinating history that revels not only the events of something I knew little about, the Doctor's Riot, but raises a lot of interesting questions. What do we owe the dead? What do the dead owe us? An interesting book about issues that still arise today. For readers of history both medical and American. And also for those who wonder why there are such mixed feeling about medicine today.
My mother was a nurse, a profession that she was rightfully proud of being. My nephew has a photo of my mother graduating in full classic nursing kit, with hat, a shawl and her diploma, beaming with pride. My mom is also the defacto doctor for both sides of my family. The cousins are quick to call with questions. Her grandchildren keep her informed of all their pediatrician trips. The older aunts call with questions about this pill and that. She does her best to help, to listen and to care. Even the ones who are prone to getting their medical advice from the political more than the medical. From hucksters and not hospitals. They know my Mom, and though it might not fit the political agenda, they still trust her opinion. My Mom's knowledge is based on those that came before her, and sometimes the gaining of this knowledge, well wasn't very nice. Things that we would call deceitful and wrong were once par for the course, especially if the course was anatomy. A body was a body, no questions asked, with financial rewards. Until people grew mad, and decided to strike back at those who learned from the dead, by stealing them away from their eternal sleep. The Doctors' Riot of 1788: Body Snatching, Bloodletting, and Anatomy in America by Andy McPhee is a book looking at the history of medicine, the history of a new country, religion, quackery, and of course how we treat the dead.
The human body is a fantastic mystery, one that give up its secrets only by examination. One can see illustrations of organs, but to understand the respiratory system or the circulatory system, one has to have samples. Usually the dead. However this was a difficult thing, in the 1700's as only criminals, and children were allowed to be used by medical instructors. With the advent of medical schools, in England, there were much, much more students than there were bodies. Capitalism being what is is, soon had an answer. Body snatching. Exhuming fresh corpses, hiding the signs of digging, and bringing the body to the medical students, for a fee. People would hire watchmen to keep an eye on graves. People with oddities feared what would happen to their bodies upon dying. And occasionally this fear would lead to violence. After the American Revolution, colonies began to build medical schools of their own. These schools had the same problems, a lack of educational aids, ie bodies. Thankfully America had a slave population where bodies could be gained. Soon though demand exceeded supply and trouble began in New York, where a group of people began to attack an anatomist laboratory. People died, famous Founding Fathers found themselves involved, and questions were raised about what the living owe the dead, and what cost is knowledge to keep people alive.
Not the book I expected. Much more than a medical examination of grave robbing and riots, McPhee looks at classic science, English law and history, and much about the founding of the United States, and what came after. Every page has interesting information. That body snatching in England was not realy a crime, but if one took anything, jewelry or clothing from a corpse, that would be considered grave robbing, a serious offence. McPhee talks about the act of body snatching, the people involved, and the people who rightfully feared what would happen after their death. There is a lot going on, but McPhee does a very good job of explaining everything, and not getting lost in his tale, no matter where it goes.
A fascinating history that revels not only the events of something I knew little about, the Doctor's Riot, but raises a lot of interesting questions. What do we owe the dead? What do the dead owe us? An interesting book about issues that still arise today. For readers of history both medical and American. And also for those who wonder why there are such mixed feeling about medicine today.
December 1, 2025
Anyone who took a basic economics course in high school will know that when the demand exceeds the supply, the market will respond appropriately. In the 17th century, when medical lecturers in the Old World and the New demonstrated the marvels of the human anatomy with recently-live models, the demand for these teaching tools skyrocketed - the nation needed doctors, and doctors needed cadavers to learn from. Enter Resurrectionists - these literal body snatchers supplied the needs of medical men (or were the medical men themselves) by creeping into graveyards to loot freshly-buried graves for their contents, selling the contents to anatomists for as much as $100.
In NYC 1788, over the course of a day the wrong body was snatched and the anatomy lab it came to rest in found itself surrounded by thousands of angry New Yorkers calling (ironically) for the anatomists' heads. The so-called forgotten Doctors' Riot serves as a branching off point for a tale of science, economy, social injustice, and both medical and national history, creeping like vines over the grave of hundreds of years of historical, social, and ethical questions, the most important of which people still debate today: Does the need for medical students to learn anatomy on cadavers override society's demand for maintaining the dignity of its dead? From the Founding Fathers to the far reaches of the globe; from the fresh-turned soil to the fresh-faced (and sometimes green-faced) medical students gazing down on their (potentially ill-gotten) cadavers in labs across the country in the modern era, "The Doctors Riot" takes readers on an attention- and body-snatching journey across anatomy in all its blood-churning history.
I, of course, picked up this book because as a freshly-graduated medical student, I too took part in the sacred rite of passage that is anatomy lab during my first year of medical education. I've read snippets over the years about body snatching as a "thing that happened in the name of science" in the past, and was super intrigued by the concept of reading about body snatching and the development of American medical practice, and this book scratched that itch but was also so much more! This was a delightful tour through body snatching generally, but also a deep dive into the historical context that lead to the Doctors' Riot of 1788 - if you'll recall, there was a lot going on politically in the New World, and the historical setting absolutely contributed to the riot and had a hand in how medical education developed since, which was fascinating as someone practicing medicine 250 years later.
I also loved that the book delved into the modern consequences of body snatching and the moral and ethical questions regarding acquisition and distribution of human tissues for various purposes that are still incredibly relevant today - there are so many aspects of the modern industry around what happens to out bodies when we pass, and the uses someone might get out of them (whether you want it or not!) that I really loved learning about throughout my read. Overall I think this was a great science read that tackles a surprisingly wide variety of topics with anatomy as the eye of the storm, and I can promise if you were intrigued by the cover, you'll love the contents as well!
In NYC 1788, over the course of a day the wrong body was snatched and the anatomy lab it came to rest in found itself surrounded by thousands of angry New Yorkers calling (ironically) for the anatomists' heads. The so-called forgotten Doctors' Riot serves as a branching off point for a tale of science, economy, social injustice, and both medical and national history, creeping like vines over the grave of hundreds of years of historical, social, and ethical questions, the most important of which people still debate today: Does the need for medical students to learn anatomy on cadavers override society's demand for maintaining the dignity of its dead? From the Founding Fathers to the far reaches of the globe; from the fresh-turned soil to the fresh-faced (and sometimes green-faced) medical students gazing down on their (potentially ill-gotten) cadavers in labs across the country in the modern era, "The Doctors Riot" takes readers on an attention- and body-snatching journey across anatomy in all its blood-churning history.
I, of course, picked up this book because as a freshly-graduated medical student, I too took part in the sacred rite of passage that is anatomy lab during my first year of medical education. I've read snippets over the years about body snatching as a "thing that happened in the name of science" in the past, and was super intrigued by the concept of reading about body snatching and the development of American medical practice, and this book scratched that itch but was also so much more! This was a delightful tour through body snatching generally, but also a deep dive into the historical context that lead to the Doctors' Riot of 1788 - if you'll recall, there was a lot going on politically in the New World, and the historical setting absolutely contributed to the riot and had a hand in how medical education developed since, which was fascinating as someone practicing medicine 250 years later.
I also loved that the book delved into the modern consequences of body snatching and the moral and ethical questions regarding acquisition and distribution of human tissues for various purposes that are still incredibly relevant today - there are so many aspects of the modern industry around what happens to out bodies when we pass, and the uses someone might get out of them (whether you want it or not!) that I really loved learning about throughout my read. Overall I think this was a great science read that tackles a surprisingly wide variety of topics with anatomy as the eye of the storm, and I can promise if you were intrigued by the cover, you'll love the contents as well!
November 13, 2025
[2.5 stars rounded down]
[DNF - I read the first 40% completely and then skipped around for another ~20% reading large parts in their entirety]
The titular Doctors’ Riot of 1788 takes up a very small portion of this book which acts much more as a recounting of medical schools in America, different ways that students learned surgery and anatomy over the years, and how the shifting public perceptions and beliefs on things as the Revolutionary War came and went affected all of these things. It’s not a case of an author not having enough information to fill a book on a subject, but rather McPhee deciding to use a single event as a central point to explore more historical and sociological information in a niche part of American history.
And, like, yeah sure the subtitle of the work mentions it being about “Anatomy in America” and the blurb mentions that it will go over the foundational changes around the riot, but I didn’t expect a full breakdown of the foundation of medical schools in the American colonies - including biographies of the people involved - to be what he meant. A lot of this is me - I like my nonfiction to be precise and to be what it is advertised as - but I always thinks it’s a bit disingenuous to not make it more clear in the blurb how much of the book is a broader history of these things (the title, subtitle, and cover are perfectly fine and honestly really great). I just ended up very bored while reading and felt stuck waiting for a story that barely came around in the end. Putting that aside, I really think this book will hit home for a lot more readers who enjoy a much broader and all-encompassing look into a very specific historical setting.
I don’t think that McPhee is a bad author at all. He writes both the more narrative scenes as well as the more listing off of facts moments very clearly (though also very un-concisely) and when it is good, it is very good. However, I found his descriptions to be very dry and often overly long on top of a lot of this book being about subjects that I don’t care about much, so it just became a struggle to read through. It’s really a shame that it didn’t work for me because the information and McPhee’s way of weaving in narrative descriptions of events between the more hard recounting of facts is really interesting and done well.
A case of “not my style at all” that I still hope many will read and enjoy as long as they know what they’re getting in for.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
[DNF - I read the first 40% completely and then skipped around for another ~20% reading large parts in their entirety]
“Therein lies a moral conundrum that has confounded medicine since at least the Middle Ages: Is it moral to dissect a body for the betterment of medical students if the body was illegally obtained? Said another way: Does the future health of the living outweigh society’s need to maintain the dignity of the dead? Three days of deadly protests in post-Revolutionary New York City brought those questions into stark relief.”
The titular Doctors’ Riot of 1788 takes up a very small portion of this book which acts much more as a recounting of medical schools in America, different ways that students learned surgery and anatomy over the years, and how the shifting public perceptions and beliefs on things as the Revolutionary War came and went affected all of these things. It’s not a case of an author not having enough information to fill a book on a subject, but rather McPhee deciding to use a single event as a central point to explore more historical and sociological information in a niche part of American history.
And, like, yeah sure the subtitle of the work mentions it being about “Anatomy in America” and the blurb mentions that it will go over the foundational changes around the riot, but I didn’t expect a full breakdown of the foundation of medical schools in the American colonies - including biographies of the people involved - to be what he meant. A lot of this is me - I like my nonfiction to be precise and to be what it is advertised as - but I always thinks it’s a bit disingenuous to not make it more clear in the blurb how much of the book is a broader history of these things (the title, subtitle, and cover are perfectly fine and honestly really great). I just ended up very bored while reading and felt stuck waiting for a story that barely came around in the end. Putting that aside, I really think this book will hit home for a lot more readers who enjoy a much broader and all-encompassing look into a very specific historical setting.
I don’t think that McPhee is a bad author at all. He writes both the more narrative scenes as well as the more listing off of facts moments very clearly (though also very un-concisely) and when it is good, it is very good. However, I found his descriptions to be very dry and often overly long on top of a lot of this book being about subjects that I don’t care about much, so it just became a struggle to read through. It’s really a shame that it didn’t work for me because the information and McPhee’s way of weaving in narrative descriptions of events between the more hard recounting of facts is really interesting and done well.
A case of “not my style at all” that I still hope many will read and enjoy as long as they know what they’re getting in for.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
January 8, 2026
The end of the 18th-century in America saw the medical profession grew exponentially which required the in-house training of medical students. New medical schools were set up but anatomy instructors needed a steady supply of cadavers to meet requirements, & there were never enough via legal means. The demand saw body snatchers or 'resurrectionists' employed to illegally obtain bodies under cover of darkness from nearby cemeteries. April 1788 saw a crowd of New Yorkers, angry at the actions of the resurrectionists & doctors, gather outside an anatomy lab & threaten violence.
Well-researched, this book is not just about the aforementioned 'Doctors' Riot' (which feels a misleading name as it was not doctors that were rioting but the poor against the actions of the doctors) but covers wider implications as well. It also discusses the juxtaposition of the importance of cadavers for the training of medical students versus a person's dignity in death, whilst ranging from historical body snatching to modern technological advances of training today.
For me, it started off well but when it suddenly veered off into US History 101, I had to check on my ereader that I was still reading this book & hadn't opened by mistake the biography of George Washington that I am reading concurrently. The relevance of the information did become clearer later on but I'm not sure so much detail was needed. Also in the later chapters it felt like just as it seemed to be getting into its stride, it ended. Overall an interesting subject but the riot itself was a very small section of it.
Review Summary:
Research: Well-researched, covers a great deal of a wide-ranging subject area, & asks important questions about the conflict between research needs & donor expectation.
Writing Style: Author's style conveys the relevant information without being academically dry.
Enjoyment Level: An intriguing subject which gives the reader quite a lot to think about. The look at modern cases of body donation going awry would be enough to make anyone considering donating their body to medical research reflect on that decision.
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded down)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Globe Pequot/Prometheus, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Well-researched, this book is not just about the aforementioned 'Doctors' Riot' (which feels a misleading name as it was not doctors that were rioting but the poor against the actions of the doctors) but covers wider implications as well. It also discusses the juxtaposition of the importance of cadavers for the training of medical students versus a person's dignity in death, whilst ranging from historical body snatching to modern technological advances of training today.
For me, it started off well but when it suddenly veered off into US History 101, I had to check on my ereader that I was still reading this book & hadn't opened by mistake the biography of George Washington that I am reading concurrently. The relevance of the information did become clearer later on but I'm not sure so much detail was needed. Also in the later chapters it felt like just as it seemed to be getting into its stride, it ended. Overall an interesting subject but the riot itself was a very small section of it.
Review Summary:
Research: Well-researched, covers a great deal of a wide-ranging subject area, & asks important questions about the conflict between research needs & donor expectation.
Writing Style: Author's style conveys the relevant information without being academically dry.
Enjoyment Level: An intriguing subject which gives the reader quite a lot to think about. The look at modern cases of body donation going awry would be enough to make anyone considering donating their body to medical research reflect on that decision.
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded down)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Globe Pequot/Prometheus, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
August 21, 2025
As a UK reader, I have some knowledge of graverobbing practices on my side of the pond but had previously no knowledge of the development of medicine and anatomy in the US, and this gave me a great introduction. The actual Doctors' Riot forms the central point of this book, a fixed point in time which the rest of the book leads to or from - and not only did I gain information on the riot itself but also a much broader understanding of the nationwide events leading up to it, and the developments in medical study right up to today.
The book comes back to a couple of central points - the key one being that in order to learn, students needed to practice on real cadavers; however demand usually outstripped supply, creating the need to find alternative sources. As a background to the riot, the author about how the first medical schools in the US were formed and by whom and also gave some interesting insights into new-born America under the actual leadership of its founding fathers. There were mentions of quirks in the laws (e.g. removal of a body not actually classing as theft), moral questions (e.g. abolitionists still being slave owners), and overtly racist undertones (e.g. the riots only started when the graves of respectable white folk started being desecrated). More hopefully the book concludes with a look at how attitudes have changed and the reverence with which bodies donated for dissection are rightfully treated.
Thoroughly researched, this was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I did struggle to keep track of the high number of names and dates thrown in and the jumping around of the timeline, but definitely an engaging book - far more compelling and yet easy-to-read than many non-fiction titles. The author's tone makes this very accessible, and despite the subject matter the writing style prevents things from feeling too gruesome (most of the time).
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me the ARC in return for an honest review -
The book comes back to a couple of central points - the key one being that in order to learn, students needed to practice on real cadavers; however demand usually outstripped supply, creating the need to find alternative sources. As a background to the riot, the author about how the first medical schools in the US were formed and by whom and also gave some interesting insights into new-born America under the actual leadership of its founding fathers. There were mentions of quirks in the laws (e.g. removal of a body not actually classing as theft), moral questions (e.g. abolitionists still being slave owners), and overtly racist undertones (e.g. the riots only started when the graves of respectable white folk started being desecrated). More hopefully the book concludes with a look at how attitudes have changed and the reverence with which bodies donated for dissection are rightfully treated.
Thoroughly researched, this was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I did struggle to keep track of the high number of names and dates thrown in and the jumping around of the timeline, but definitely an engaging book - far more compelling and yet easy-to-read than many non-fiction titles. The author's tone makes this very accessible, and despite the subject matter the writing style prevents things from feeling too gruesome (most of the time).
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me the ARC in return for an honest review -
October 25, 2025
Doctors’ Riot of 1788 focuses on the early history of medicine when surgeons were tasked with learning physical anatomy. During this period it became common to rely on body snatchers in order to have enough “specimens” to learn the craft necessary to save lives. This book primarily looks at the time period before the discovery of using formaldehyde to preserve bodies. During this period, if bodies were not procured quickly they would rapidly become useless for study due to decomposition. Although this book’s title references a specific New York riot that ensued after a woman’s body was stolen from a church cemetery, it has a larger narrative that discusses the competing values inherent in those who argued both for and against body snatching. On the one hand, it was illegal and unethical to use the bodies of individuals without the knowledge and consent of their families. On the other, the argument could be made that this was necessary for the progress of medicine which benefited those who were still living. The author also spends some time exploring the current practice of selling body parts and “tissue” and the parallel ethical dilemma this presents to society today.
I appreciated how the author explored the fact that there seemed to be little concern regarding this practice when it was limited mostly to stealing bodies from minority cemeteries and using the bodies of criminals. The uproar from the public grew only when it was white bodies being stolen from churchyards. He also includes a very interesting, although gruesome section that describes the natural process of how a body decays and decomposes. Overall, I would rate this as a good read for those interested in the subject matter and who are not squeamish when it comes to an exploration of the life of corpses.
I appreciated how the author explored the fact that there seemed to be little concern regarding this practice when it was limited mostly to stealing bodies from minority cemeteries and using the bodies of criminals. The uproar from the public grew only when it was white bodies being stolen from churchyards. He also includes a very interesting, although gruesome section that describes the natural process of how a body decays and decomposes. Overall, I would rate this as a good read for those interested in the subject matter and who are not squeamish when it comes to an exploration of the life of corpses.
November 10, 2025
I grew up near Edinburgh, Scotland, so I knew all about the antics of Burke and Hare, murderers who sold bodies to doctors. As I grew up, my interest in the history of medicine remained, of the advances that took place in that city, but the wider implications escaped me. This book, therefore, was a delight.
Plenty of context is provided and we explore the far past, looking at how people such as Da Vinci examined bodies, the Church's stance on cutting up bodies - not what I had expected - and how views changed over time.
There is also a nuanced discussion on how racism played a part, with the way black bodies were treated and how it wasn't until a white woman was stolen that things finally boiled over. Even then, progress was slower for the black community when it came to their rights. I cannot help but wonder however, how those doctors who justified stealing black bodies purely on their skin colour, saying they were 'lesser' and not human... how they could have possibility had that mindset and yet believe the knowledge could be used on white people. You cannot dehumanise someone and yet use the research for humanity. It is sickening.
We also look long far beyond the riot of the title, all the way up to present day. This is the story of the evolution of anatomy studies, of not only the body snatching but the way in which even today bodies are used to help and hinder.
Both sides of the debate are sensitively handled. This is an explosive and often uncomfortable topic, but here it is explored in detail. The author explains not only the need but exactly what happens to those who become 'donor's' in the modern world.
An engaging, and eye opening work that should be read.
"The measure of a life, after all, is not in its duration, but in its donation."
~thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Plenty of context is provided and we explore the far past, looking at how people such as Da Vinci examined bodies, the Church's stance on cutting up bodies - not what I had expected - and how views changed over time.
There is also a nuanced discussion on how racism played a part, with the way black bodies were treated and how it wasn't until a white woman was stolen that things finally boiled over. Even then, progress was slower for the black community when it came to their rights. I cannot help but wonder however, how those doctors who justified stealing black bodies purely on their skin colour, saying they were 'lesser' and not human... how they could have possibility had that mindset and yet believe the knowledge could be used on white people. You cannot dehumanise someone and yet use the research for humanity. It is sickening.
We also look long far beyond the riot of the title, all the way up to present day. This is the story of the evolution of anatomy studies, of not only the body snatching but the way in which even today bodies are used to help and hinder.
Both sides of the debate are sensitively handled. This is an explosive and often uncomfortable topic, but here it is explored in detail. The author explains not only the need but exactly what happens to those who become 'donor's' in the modern world.
An engaging, and eye opening work that should be read.
"The measure of a life, after all, is not in its duration, but in its donation."
~thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
January 25, 2026
::Channeling Stefon from SNL:: New York’s hottest club, Your Mother's Arm, has everything. Body snatching, angry letter writing, racial tension, naked corpses, very few licensed doctors, Alexander Hamilton...
The Doctors' Riot of 1788 by Andy McPhee taught me much more than I was expecting. Like any book about an historical event, you've got to catch up on the background in order to understand the main topic. So on the way to the actual riot, you'll learn about the American Revolution, British medical training, New York’s 18th century cemetery system, slavery, bloodletting, and city planning.
The thing that shocked me the most was how relatively cool people were in the 1700s with the idea of medical students cutting up dead bodies. I'd always had the impression that not only did citizens frown upon their loved ones' bodies being stolen, they also thought dissection was flat out wrong. Maybe that was just an assumption I came to or maybe that's what some sources actually claim, I'm not sure. But at least in the time and place we're talking about here, folks had a very similar attitude to the one most have today: we need doctors; doctors start out as medical students who need training; part of that training involves getting up close and personal with every part of a human body, inside and out; just don't disrespect those bodies.
After all, the riot wasn't about the dissection. It was about the thievery and desecration.
I was entranced by this cover from the first moment I saw it. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC and to the author and publisher for a finished copy.
The Doctors' Riot of 1788 by Andy McPhee taught me much more than I was expecting. Like any book about an historical event, you've got to catch up on the background in order to understand the main topic. So on the way to the actual riot, you'll learn about the American Revolution, British medical training, New York’s 18th century cemetery system, slavery, bloodletting, and city planning.
The thing that shocked me the most was how relatively cool people were in the 1700s with the idea of medical students cutting up dead bodies. I'd always had the impression that not only did citizens frown upon their loved ones' bodies being stolen, they also thought dissection was flat out wrong. Maybe that was just an assumption I came to or maybe that's what some sources actually claim, I'm not sure. But at least in the time and place we're talking about here, folks had a very similar attitude to the one most have today: we need doctors; doctors start out as medical students who need training; part of that training involves getting up close and personal with every part of a human body, inside and out; just don't disrespect those bodies.
After all, the riot wasn't about the dissection. It was about the thievery and desecration.
I was entranced by this cover from the first moment I saw it. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC and to the author and publisher for a finished copy.
September 29, 2025
Absolutely fascinating and informative non-fiction piece. I appreciated how sympathetic the author was on “both sides” of the conflict. I also appreciated that we got the full context of the issue, meaning that we got a history lesson in US, medical and pharmacy history, anatomy lesson and the legacy of it all in our current day. I also appreciate that we got a proper examination of the politics of race and unequal treatment of people in this as well.
However, I feel like there were even a bit too much information at times that unnecessarily cumbered the pacing of the text. For example, the description what a chariot is, or what kind of lock was used in a door. As a singular example it wouldn’t be as bad, but there were a lot of similar instances of snippets of information that was unrelated to the topic at hand. In relation to this, the name of the book feels a bit misleading since the content of the book is far more extensive than just the riot of 1788 and for me it gave faulty expectations of the book itself. I was wondering why I’m learning about the US history in such a detail and later we briefly visit Ireland and then we are examining the body broker industry of the current time.
But overall I can recommend this book to anyone who is interested in such a topic.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me the ARC
However, I feel like there were even a bit too much information at times that unnecessarily cumbered the pacing of the text. For example, the description what a chariot is, or what kind of lock was used in a door. As a singular example it wouldn’t be as bad, but there were a lot of similar instances of snippets of information that was unrelated to the topic at hand. In relation to this, the name of the book feels a bit misleading since the content of the book is far more extensive than just the riot of 1788 and for me it gave faulty expectations of the book itself. I was wondering why I’m learning about the US history in such a detail and later we briefly visit Ireland and then we are examining the body broker industry of the current time.
But overall I can recommend this book to anyone who is interested in such a topic.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me the ARC
November 30, 2025
Publishing date: 06.01.2026 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to Netgalley and Globe Pequot for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I have been morbidly interested in necromancy, ressurectionists, and dissections for a while now. This was more fuel to feed the fire which is my curiosty.
To quickly summarize what you get: the history and struggles of dissection, the medical field, and body snatching.
The book is written in an (mostly) easy to read style. I found myself flying through the chapters and learned lots of new info. I now have even more morbid history to arm myself with.
My only gripe would be the sheer amount of backtracking into different peoples history just to link it up to the relevant part for the book. Example: history about person during the war, spans two pages, now they are in the relevant part but we need some more exposition on their education and at the time problems with society, lasts for a page, and finally we get to how they have impacted the medical field. This happened a lot and pulled me out of the book a lot. I understand we need context, but it could be shortened a little and then referenced a different source for us to read later. This is just a me problem.
Otherwise, I adored this book. Got what I wanted (more info) and enjoyed my time with it. Will be recommending and grabbing a copy for my non-fic shelf. Giving this 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Globe Pequot for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I have been morbidly interested in necromancy, ressurectionists, and dissections for a while now. This was more fuel to feed the fire which is my curiosty.
To quickly summarize what you get: the history and struggles of dissection, the medical field, and body snatching.
The book is written in an (mostly) easy to read style. I found myself flying through the chapters and learned lots of new info. I now have even more morbid history to arm myself with.
My only gripe would be the sheer amount of backtracking into different peoples history just to link it up to the relevant part for the book. Example: history about person during the war, spans two pages, now they are in the relevant part but we need some more exposition on their education and at the time problems with society, lasts for a page, and finally we get to how they have impacted the medical field. This happened a lot and pulled me out of the book a lot. I understand we need context, but it could be shortened a little and then referenced a different source for us to read later. This is just a me problem.
Otherwise, I adored this book. Got what I wanted (more info) and enjoyed my time with it. Will be recommending and grabbing a copy for my non-fic shelf. Giving this 4 stars.
November 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
The Doctor’s Riot of 1788 is a somewhat misleading title, since the actual riot only plays a small part in the events of this book.
That being said, the background history of anatomical study and the procurement of bodies for said anatomical study helped greatly in understanding the motivations for the Doctor’s Riot. Told in such an engaging fashion, McPhee allows readers to learn about this medical education phenomenon without being bogged down by too many facts and details.
Of special interest was the indifference of the governing bodies to body snatching when it was happening from the Negro Burial Grounds, but the about turn when “upstanding white women” were the victims. I wished this was expounded on more, especially since the book itself was short in length. Adding some more information, if available, would have been greatly appreciated!
I also really liked the attention toward modern “body snatching” given toward the end of the book and how, even though laws have been enacted throughout history, there still needs to be a continued effort to evolve with the times of modern technology and medicine.
Overall, this book scratched an unidentified itch for a medical history book that is also true crime!
The Doctor’s Riot of 1788 is a somewhat misleading title, since the actual riot only plays a small part in the events of this book.
That being said, the background history of anatomical study and the procurement of bodies for said anatomical study helped greatly in understanding the motivations for the Doctor’s Riot. Told in such an engaging fashion, McPhee allows readers to learn about this medical education phenomenon without being bogged down by too many facts and details.
Of special interest was the indifference of the governing bodies to body snatching when it was happening from the Negro Burial Grounds, but the about turn when “upstanding white women” were the victims. I wished this was expounded on more, especially since the book itself was short in length. Adding some more information, if available, would have been greatly appreciated!
I also really liked the attention toward modern “body snatching” given toward the end of the book and how, even though laws have been enacted throughout history, there still needs to be a continued effort to evolve with the times of modern technology and medicine.
Overall, this book scratched an unidentified itch for a medical history book that is also true crime!
December 3, 2025
A good book for the right audience
This book is a deep exploration of medical practice and especially medical education in America in the late 18th century. History buffs and perhaps readers who work in the medical field will probably enjoy it very much.
The Doctor’s Riot and bodysnatching are only a very small part of the book, though, and the title sets up wrong expectations. Many readers like me who were attracted by the exciting title and book description are likely to be disappointed.
The research was impressive. I found a lot of the information fascinating, like the role of Black people in both the American and British military during the American Revolution, although I had to ask myself what that had to do with the topic. On the other hand, there was much too much detail about topics like the founding of King’s College and New York Hospital. It was interesting to hear about their connection to pivotal early American figures, but that did not contribute to the reputed theme of the book.
The book opened with a nice poem!
My bottom line is that this is a good book spoiled by expectations set up from the title and description.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and Prometheus Books.
This book is a deep exploration of medical practice and especially medical education in America in the late 18th century. History buffs and perhaps readers who work in the medical field will probably enjoy it very much.
The Doctor’s Riot and bodysnatching are only a very small part of the book, though, and the title sets up wrong expectations. Many readers like me who were attracted by the exciting title and book description are likely to be disappointed.
The research was impressive. I found a lot of the information fascinating, like the role of Black people in both the American and British military during the American Revolution, although I had to ask myself what that had to do with the topic. On the other hand, there was much too much detail about topics like the founding of King’s College and New York Hospital. It was interesting to hear about their connection to pivotal early American figures, but that did not contribute to the reputed theme of the book.
The book opened with a nice poem!
My bottom line is that this is a good book spoiled by expectations set up from the title and description.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and Prometheus Books.
August 12, 2025
The author has a powerful and straight forward voice on telling the broad history of anatomy education. I felt like I was listening to an old friend tell me about a topic they know and care about deeply.
The only problem is that there are so many players in anatomy education history that I felt like I couldn't keep straight any people mentioned. It felt like instead of a brief history to get you started on why the doctors riot mattered, you get pulled through a full history on random points (i.e. the beginnings of the American Revolution and other key players in the beginning of American history). Being a third of the way in you only get a small sampling on what the Doctors' Riot is before you are guided away to another history lesson. Overall, many details seem unnecessary and add to the listener becoming confused at what are the important pieces to latch onto. I would have not been bothered as much if the title explained the objective of the book more fully as the Doctors' Riot of 1788 is such a small portion of this book. Although the book went deeper into other points than I thought was necessary, it was easily digestible and informative and I enjoyed it.
The only problem is that there are so many players in anatomy education history that I felt like I couldn't keep straight any people mentioned. It felt like instead of a brief history to get you started on why the doctors riot mattered, you get pulled through a full history on random points (i.e. the beginnings of the American Revolution and other key players in the beginning of American history). Being a third of the way in you only get a small sampling on what the Doctors' Riot is before you are guided away to another history lesson. Overall, many details seem unnecessary and add to the listener becoming confused at what are the important pieces to latch onto. I would have not been bothered as much if the title explained the objective of the book more fully as the Doctors' Riot of 1788 is such a small portion of this book. Although the book went deeper into other points than I thought was necessary, it was easily digestible and informative and I enjoyed it.
August 27, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
This was an interesting read about 1788 grave robbing and body snatching, if you’re into history and the history of this subject as I am. The information worked well overall and was hooked from the first page although it tended to drag at times making the reader feel as though it was more of a school read then for pleasure. I thought this was written well by Andy McPhee and the research was clearly well invested, I did think it should have included more about the doctors riot and more into the medical aspect of the subject.
I never knew about Britains history of illegally obtaining bodies for 250 dollars after they banned bodies to be studied on yet students needed corpses to practice on in medical school. I learned about the creation of “bone bills” before the civil war. All in all for any history bluff of this kind of nature would love this read.
This was an interesting read about 1788 grave robbing and body snatching, if you’re into history and the history of this subject as I am. The information worked well overall and was hooked from the first page although it tended to drag at times making the reader feel as though it was more of a school read then for pleasure. I thought this was written well by Andy McPhee and the research was clearly well invested, I did think it should have included more about the doctors riot and more into the medical aspect of the subject.
I never knew about Britains history of illegally obtaining bodies for 250 dollars after they banned bodies to be studied on yet students needed corpses to practice on in medical school. I learned about the creation of “bone bills” before the civil war. All in all for any history bluff of this kind of nature would love this read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The history of medicine, with all its discoveries and scandals, really draws certain people in. Add a mysterious cover and a promising title, and I’m sold. The book starts with a lovely poem, then dives into an interesting historical background. The problem is, this section is the longest part of the book, and some parts feel a bit unnecessary. That said, the topic still feels a little underexplored, and the riot itself doesn’t get much attention.
After that, we jump to the present day, which I personally found the most interesting. Body snatching might be a thing of the past, but the body parts market is still alive and well. Definitely something to watch out for. The author also offers practical advice for anyone thinking about donating their body for educational purposes.
After that, we jump to the present day, which I personally found the most interesting. Body snatching might be a thing of the past, but the body parts market is still alive and well. Definitely something to watch out for. The author also offers practical advice for anyone thinking about donating their body for educational purposes.
September 2, 2025
Doctors’ Riot of 1788 is a fascinating and well-researched account of a little-known but gripping moment in American history. Andy McPhee brings the events of post-Revolutionary New York vividly to life, showing how grave robbing for medical study collided with issues of race, class, and justice to spark a shocking riot.
McPhee’s writing balances strong scholarship with clear, engaging storytelling, making complex history accessible without losing depth. This is a compelling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on both medical progress and the human cost behind it. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, medicine, or social justice.
McPhee’s writing balances strong scholarship with clear, engaging storytelling, making complex history accessible without losing depth. This is a compelling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on both medical progress and the human cost behind it. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, medicine, or social justice.
October 6, 2025
The title, the cover, the content, it all drew me in. My favorite genres to read are thriller, mystery, horror, and true crime. Nonfiction books are typically a little harder for me to get through for some reason, even though I enjoy reading and learning the subject matter. Even with that said, this book was a breeze to read! It is well written and is written in a style that works with my brain. The topic of body snatching and bloodletting is fascinating but it's even more interesting to see how it leads up and evolves into the teaching of anatomy that we know (and likely take granted of) today.
October 12, 2025
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc! the history of medicine and medical education is fascinating to me, and the concept of “body snatchers,” or those who would rob corpses from their graves in order to sell them to medical schools is a major aspect of that. i’ve watched a lot of videos about this, but i learned a lot of things by reading this book that i had never heard before. this author has clearly done their research and had a way of communicating that information to you in a way that was clear and concise. if this sounds at all interesting to you, i would recommend giving this book a go!
December 4, 2025
I hadn't heard about the Doctors' Riot of 1788 before, though I have learned about body snatching in England and Scotland, so I was looking forward to digging into this book. McPhee does a good job of providing extensive research in an approachable way and is up front about how little historical evidence there is about the actual riot. It's well established that it happened, but the actual details of what kicked it off and what happened hasn't survived the centuries.
One thing I struggled with was how many side quests the narrative goes on - while they all help to round out
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and Prometheus in exchange for an honest review.
One thing I struggled with was how many side quests the narrative goes on - while they all help to round out
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and Prometheus in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really enjoyed this bit of forgotten history of events here in the US. Here author Andy McPhee takes us back to 1788 to lay out why the general public in New York rioted against Doctors who were dissecting corpses in an effort to learn more about the human body and how that knowledge could help future generations to heal sick or dying patients. McPhee takes us on a history tour of dissection, physicians and leading figures in the Riot. Amazing stuff, and we discover early on that this was just the first of many such riots here in the US! We also get to understand the differences between grave robbing and body snatching. Filled with remarkable detail this is a great read!!
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